Admissions at Side by Side School

Side by Side School provides a unique educational and therapeutic environment for children aged 2–19, focusing on supporting those with special educational needs. We offer placements for both children with special needs and mainstream children in an integrated setting.

Application Process
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To apply, please request an application form from our School Office. All applications are reviewed confidentially by the Headteacher, who may request additional information or a home visit to ensure the best placement.

Mainstream and Special Needs Placements
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For mainstream nursery placements, priority is given to:
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Looked-after children
Children of current staff
Siblings of current and previous pupils
Applications by date received

Special needs nursery placements prioritise children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), along with consideration for looked-after children and those with additional needs.
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For children aged 5–19, most applications require an EHCP. The Headteacher and SENCO will meet with parents to assess the suitability of a place. We collaborate with local authorities to ensure we can meet each child’s needs, subject to funding approval and capacity.

Waiting Lists and Appeals
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In cases of oversubscription, waiting lists are established. Appeals regarding admission decisions should be directed to the Board of Trustees. For full details, please refer to our Admissions Policy or contact the School Office.

If you require an Application Form for the school please contact us on 0208 880 8300 or by email to school@sidebyside.org.uk
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See School Calendar below for term dates and school holidays.‍

At Side by Side, we are committed to ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all our pupils. Our comprehensive health and safety policies are designed to meet the specific needs of each child and to maintain the highest standards of care across the school.
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We work closely with local NHS healthcare professionals, who provide expert guidance and training to our staff as needed. This collaboration ensures that we can respond effectively to the diverse medical and health needs of our pupils. Parents and carers play a vital role in this process, and we kindly ask that any changes to a child's medical or health needs are promptly communicated to the school manager so that our records remain accurate and up to date.

Fire safety is a top priority at Side by Side. We maintain a thorough and up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment for the school, ensuring that our facilities are compliant and secure. To prepare pupils and staff for emergencies, we conduct up to two fire drills each term. These drills help everyone become familiar with our fire procedures and ensure a calm, organised response in the event of an emergency.

Through careful planning, collaboration, and regular review, we are dedicated to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of every pupil, staff member, and visitor at Side by Side School.

In recent years, we have celebrated numerous student achievements through the ASDAN accreditation programme. Students have completed a range of courses, including Employability and the Award for Personal Development, earning Bronze, Silver, and Gold level awards. In the Employability programme, one group of students successfully achieved Entry Level 2 accreditation. At Side by Side, we continue to offer a variety of tailored programmes to meet the individual needs of our pupils. The table below highlights the programmes we have delivered in recent years. In addition to the ASDAN courses, students engage with Pearson’s Functional Maths and Literacy programme, which focuses on practical and life skills. They also participate in weekly work experience placements, many of which are closely linked to their ASDAN studies.

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